Washington DC, 18 June 2025 — On the eve of Juventus’s debut match in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025—scheduled for this evening at Audi Field Stadium in Washington, DC against Al Ain—the Embassy of Italy in the United States hosted today, in collaboration with Juventus and FIFA, a gathering with members of the Italian community and a group of students from local schools.
The Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Alessandro Gonzales, welcomed Juventus CEO Maurizio Scanavino, executive Giorgio Chiellini, and club “Legends” Andrea Barzagli and Alessandro Matri to the Embassy. Representing FIFA was its executive and former French football star Youri Djorkaeff. In his speech, Alessandro Gonzales emphasized how the Embassy, in line with the sports diplomacy initiatives promoted by the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, is proud to see Juventus and Inter representing Italian soccer in this new and exciting competition featuring the world’s football elite.
The event also served as an opportunity to celebrate Italian football as a testament to the values of sport and to Italy’s excellence in the United States—where the next FIFA World Cup will be held.
Throughout the day, several recreational activities organized by Juventus Academy took place in the Embassy’s garden. The young attendees had the chance to meet their idols—Chiellini, Barzagli, and Matri—and take part in a raffle for a Juventus jersey autographed by Khéphren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz, which was won by little Lorenzo.
The Embassy in Washington and the network of Italian Consulates across the United States are actively engaged in organizing a series of events throughout the country featuring the two Italian teams participating in the FIFA Club World Cup. These initiatives will be an opportunity to connect with Italian and local communities and to promote and enhance the presence of Italian sport in the US.
